From the New Zealand Wars to the confiscation of Māori lands, Scots settlers had a major impact on the Indigenous peoples, lands, and cultures of Aotearoa New Zealand.  

The above document gives an introduction to the history of European settlement in New Zealand.

The lessons below are preceded by relevant video resources on the topics addressed.

Sir Donald McLean’s impact on the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand

Tiree-born politician and public official Sir Donald McLean was appointed Protector of Aborigines in 1844, overseeing all matters impacting the Indigenous peoples, including land ownership, trade, and local government. This lesson addresses the impact McLean’s policies had in these sectors.

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What do the letters of Donald Gollan reveal about settler attitudes to the environment of New Zealand?

Scots merchant Donald Gollan emigrated to New Zealand, via Australia, in 1841. His letters offer insight into settler aims for the environment, resources, and lands of this region. The below lesson addresses these attitudes and intentions.

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Donald Gollan and settler Scots attitudes towards the Indigenous peoples and cultures of New Zealand

Donald Gollan’s letters offer insight into settler attitudes of social and economic exploitation towards Indigenous communities. This lesson addresses such sociopolitical impacts of settler Scots.